Poland-Indonesia relations: Not just about red and white More news follow @newsdailyplanet Separated by geographical distance, Poland and Indonesia have much in common. The two nations use identical colors of red and white for their flags, and their respective histories are full of wars for independence and maintaining national unity. Without much fanfare, relations between the two countries have survived world and regime changes, since they were first established in the late 1950s. The fight against climate change has bound them even closer. Indonesia and Poland, as well as Denmark, are playing a pivotal role in creating a new international commitment to reducing global emissions. Poland will host the UN conference on climate change in December, which is expected to result in an action plan to implement the Bali road map agreed to in last year's conference in Indonesia. "We have enjoyed sound and vibrant relations so far," says Maciej Orzechowski of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Polish Parliament (Sejm). However, nothing special has really happened with regard to bilateral ties, except for formalities, following the fall of Indonesia's founding president Sukarno in the mid-1960s until after Poland broke away from the communist bloc in 1990. That the European and Asian nations have kept their friendship, if not intimacy, intact until today is because of great contributions from the likes of former Polish ambassador to Indonesia Andrezeja Nusantara Wawrzyniaka. Since leaving his post in Jakarta in the early 1970s, he has maintained contact with numerous Indonesian figures, ranging from government officials to artists, and persistently promoted Indonesian and Asian cultures. The Indonesian government, through former president Soeharto, conferred upon him a medal in recognition of his efforts to help preserve bilateral relations. Indeed, an Indonesian atmosphere pervades his house-museum in Warsaw. Paintings by noted Indonesian artists the late Affandi, Srihadi, Popo Iskandar, Nyoman Gunarsa, and souvenirs adorn the building. "I don't know why I fell in love with Indonesia. It's not something I can explain," he says, recalling his close encounter with diverse Indonesian cultures during his posting to the country more than three decades ago. His middle name, given by president Sukarno, speaks volumes of his Indonesian connection. There is a kind of personal link between him and Indonesia, and the country remains one his regular destinations when going overseas.

• published: 07 Sep 2013
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